ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWaiting for a NOA2 from VSC for your I-129F?
Don't let up on the pressure....keep contacting your elected officials. There are Congressional Liaisons at USCIS-->so your Congressman/women and Representatives can get more information that we ever could as individual petitioners. Again, the ONLY way to get more action is to expose what is going on.....all their dirty little secrets.
Like a few on here, I am headed overseas to be with my SO in about 30 days. I, for one, don't think I can stand to sit here for the next two months waiting for an NOA 2 that may or may not come...but I plan to continue the fight from abroad.
The memo about delayed receipts, I feel, was due in small part to our efforts. But, I am not happy with that tiny 'scrap of meat'.
You won't see me cheering on VSC because when you are wrong, you're wrong. As I see it, they have STOLEN prescious time from me and my fiance that I can NEVER get back and for that, they get no credit whatsoever. This 'systemic' problem with USCIS has been on-going....longer than the Iraq war and a lot of other atrocities here and around the world.
I would not, at all, be surprised to see them extend the '6-months' to 8-months or 12- months....then what are we to do? Just like a cancer, if you don't stop (or treat it) it now, it's only going to grow and grow and grow and grow..............................
BTW-->no slight or disrespect to anyone with cancer (or family member or friend), but you get my meaning.
U.S. WendyFemaleAlbania2007-10-02 19:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWaiting for a NOA2 from VSC for your I-129F?
Yes, this is just one of MANY reasons why we are being placed on the back burner. Advocacy groups are pressuring the government to process these refugees, JUST LIKE the H1-B visa people-->actually there was talk of a lawsuit against USCIS for refusing to process their applications. That's ONE reason why they did an 'about face', it wasn't just the flowers.
As long as this continues to happen, we'll keep getting pushed further and further to the bottom. Sure, I feel sorry for the Refugees and they are certainly in a worse place than I am right now. But, what I am saying is this is just one more example of how inept USCIS is. This transformation, or whatever has been a long time coming and if we think this is the end of the delays and frustration.......well, I wouldn't count on it.
Right now, they can say, "hey, we told you 6 months and we are processing your petitions within that established timeframe." It's like "robbing Peter to pay Paul". If things continue like this, I fully expect one of two things-->either they are going to extend the 'established timeline' to accommodate the next group of petitions/individuals who make the 'biggest stink' or slowly, but surely, you are going to see approvals coming at the 175th day.



B)-->
QUOTE(Bill B @ Oct 1 2007, 09:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So what do you all think? Is this what is slowing ours way down? Notice the "...the number shot up to 529 in August and 889 in September..." Is there where our adjudicators are?

Ref: http://news.yahoo.co...s_iraq_refugees

Iraqi refugee admissions fall short By MATTHEW LEE, Associated Press Writer
2 hours, 15 minutes ago

The United States admitted more than 1,600 Iraqi refugees over the past 12 months, but still fell short of its goal for the year despite a last-minute push to reach a reduced target of 2,000, according to State Department figures.

Amid a furor over the slow pace of admissions for the world's fastest growing refugee population, the Bush administration allowed 1,608 Iraqis into the country between last September and this October, the span covering the government's fiscal 2007.

In February, officials said they hoped to process about 7,000 Iraqi refugees for resettlement in the United States, but sharply reduced that target to 2,000 over the summer when it became clear the original figure could not be met.

The blame for the slow pace is placed on bureaucratic slowdowns — including bickering between the State Department, which is in charge of refugee resettlement, and the Department of Homeland Security, which must screen would-be admittees. Another factor was a lack of cooperation from some foreign countries.

The poor performance sparked criticism from refugee advocacy groups and lawmakers who complained that Washington was not doing enough for those who have fled the violence in Iraq since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.

But admission figures from the State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, obtained Monday by The Associated Press, show a significant improvement in admissions of Iraqis over the past two months.

From a low of one Iraqi admitted in both April and May, the number shot up to 529 in August and 889 in September as the administration worked to streamline the process, according to an internal spreadsheet.

On Sept. 19, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff announced the appointment of two senior officials from their agencies to clear the logjam that had hampered admissions.

Several days later, administration officials announced that the United States would accept 1,000 Iraqi refugees per month for the next fiscal year beginning this month for a total of 12,000 between Sept. 30, 2007, and Oct. 1, 2008.

The administration had acknowledged a "moral obligation" to protect Iraqi refugees and to admit as many as possible that are referred for resettlement by the United Nations. That number has now surpassed 10,000, officials say.

However, Iraqis are subject to more security screening than other would-be refugees and that process has been hindered by a lack of cooperation from some countries, notably Syria, where the majority of Iraqi refugees are now living.

According to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 2 million Iraqis have fled their country. Of these, 1.2 million are in Syria, 750,000 in Jordan, 100,000 in Egypt, 54,000 in Iran, 40,000 in Lebanon. 10,000 in Turkey and 200,000 in various Persian Gulf countries.[/quote]
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NOA 2: 04-02-2008-->SECOND Petition approved
07-31-08- Entered the U.S.
09-17-08- Married
10-29-08: File AOS, EAD, AP
01-15-09: EAD Approved
02-26-09: Biometrics Appt.
03-07-09: EAD card received via mail
03-20-09: AOS approved
03-28-09: Greencard arrives via mail
U.S. WendyFemaleAlbania2007-10-02 07:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWaiting for a NOA2 from VSC for your I-129F?
California Service Center and Vermont Service Center are currently assisting in data entry of employment-based I-485 and related forms (I-140, I-765, and I-131) received at Texas Service Center between the dates of 7/28 and 8/8. As a result, some applicants may receive receipt notices from a service center different than the one they originally applied to.

http://www.uscis.gov...0004718190aRCRD

This links you to the latest regarding receipt delays. It's been three months and I still don't have my hard copy, but I can live with that.

It's the first part about CSC and VSC working on data entry for Employment-based forms that makes me REAL nervous.

I think this 'hypothesis' has been explored before. This is jut an...FYI.

Your thoughts?
U.S. WendyFemaleAlbania2007-09-28 15:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWaiting for a NOA2 from VSC for your I-129F?
B)-->
QUOTE(Bill B @ Sep 27 2007, 06:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
[quote name='madmcc22555' post='1221181' date='Sep 27 2007, 04:25 PM'][quote name='nivesito' post='1221155' date='Sep 27 2007, 04:16 PM'][quote name='nora &ryan' post='1221098' date='Sep 27 2007, 09:55 PM'][quote name='nivesito' post='1221082' date='Sep 27 2007, 08:48 PM']Congratulations Nora and Ryan!!! I'm so happy, happy, happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You guys gave us hope that there is something going on at VSC!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif[/quote]

You guys have the exact same time line as ours , hope you get yours any time soon , someone is working on that VSC finally after a long summer sleep .

All the best

Nora
[/quote]


Thanks Nora!!!

There are few people here that filed even before us, hopefully they get approved soon!!!
[/quote] Yes I'm one of those people that filed before you May 1st, very unfair obviously, But I am so happy for you both, congrats
and good luck on the rest of your journey! chris and tu
[/quote]

First on all congratulations to NORA AND RYAN!
Yes, there are some earlier and that happens sometime as we all know. I will feel a lot better when I see a NOA 2 from VSC where the petitioner is not military. I spent 20 years in the military and I know military get priority service from USCIS many times. I do not disagree with them doing that for many reasons, but I am just saying I will be a lot more excited when I see VSC give another one to a non-military/non expedited couple. My senator's office called me today to respond to my letter. They told me they are getting quite a few letters and the more that come in, the more chance to influence a change. They also agreed to investigate the issue some more. They also agreed with the earfull I gave them on the poor communication and unreasonable 6mo time for K1/K3 processing versus other types of VISAs that have much shorter processing times and the fact that we are not given the opportunity like some other types of VISAs for expedited processing. I won't hold my breath for instant change, but the more of us that write, the more chance to make a difference. Good luck to everyone on getting their NOA 2 sooner rather than later.
[/quote]


Bill, that's GREAT news. At least someone has a Senator or Senator's Aide who cares enough to follow up quickly. I'm happy to hear he's getting more than one complaint on the issue.
No doubt (IMHO)-->if we scream loud enough, they will be more likely to move things a little bit faster at VSC.
So far, a few emails with a reporter at Washington Post who says she'll consider doing a story......I'll let you know when this is solid. She sounded REALLY interested, but we'll see.
KEEP SENDING YOUR LETTERS TO YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS AND THE PRESS AND USCIS/DHS
-- PLEASE!!!!
  • 0
NOA 2: 04-02-2008-->SECOND Petition approved
07-31-08- Entered the U.S.
09-17-08- Married
10-29-08: File AOS, EAD, AP
01-15-09: EAD Approved
02-26-09: Biometrics Appt.
03-07-09: EAD card received via mail
03-20-09: AOS approved
03-28-09: Greencard arrives via mail
U.S. WendyFemaleAlbania2007-09-27 21:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWaiting for a NOA2 from VSC for your I-129F?
YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! kicking.gif

I knew if I waited long enough, the rest of you-->"oh, they are doing the best they can" or "six months isn't forever............stay positive" 'people' would eventually get hoppin' mad. mad.gif

I felt like there were a select few here who have simply chosen to ignore me and I'm not mad at 'cha because I see that some of you have came around also, GREAT!!

How much longer before we get serious about organizing a protest?

Like I said before, 'either we hang together, or we hang separate.
U.S. WendyFemaleAlbania2007-09-26 15:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFeb. Filers!!
Who's together?
Who's married?
Who's passed their interview date?
Who's beat the USCIS with a brick for making your life crazy?
Who's already filed for AOS?

Just curious!!

Keep in touch :)
craigandkymFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-09 09:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC - February Filers
Another note, since I lost my last update...

I'm now married and he has his SS#. Just awaiting the long AOS process now!! I am sooooooooooooooo glad he's finally here however smile.gif It's been forever!!!

Our SS # took only about a week from the time he applied, till he got it. Honestly was the easiest thing in the whole freaking pocess!!

~Kim
craigandkymFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-18 14:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC - February Filers
The long wait is finally over! His interview was a snap! He was approved on Thursday and had his visa delivered on Saturday morning.........so fast!! YAY :)

I can't believe he's going to finally be here in just 4 weeks now...he'll be here forever!! Good Luck to my co-K1ers!!
craigandkymFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-06-24 08:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC - February Filers
CONGRATULAIONS!!!! :dance:
craigandkymFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-31 21:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC - February Filers
We got our interview date!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Interview will be June 21st, I can't wait!! :) :) :)
craigandkymFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-30 20:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC - February Filers
Must Update, cause I am crazy excited! Craig got his police cert's today (in about 2 weeks less than 40 days!!) and off will go the final checklist tomorrow to the consulate. Now we wait for his interview date. But all the initial paperwork gathering is behind us!! I am soooooooo excited!!!

:)

~Kim
craigandkymFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-16 22:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC - February Filers
Oh my gosh Sue!! Congratulations on having an "ace in the hole"!! Yay for now having an interview date that you can think about and focus on.

I know the set backs are frustrating but at last you can see the light at the end of the tunnel!!

:)

~Kim
craigandkymFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-15 22:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC - February Filers
Congratulations on passing your interview and having your Visa!! Best of Luck with your future!! YAY your wedding date is my birthday!! :jest: And also the date my girlfriends are gathering to throw me a bridal shower ..YAY for June 9th!!

Much Love and Best Wishes,

Kim
craigandkymFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-11 09:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC - February Filers
I'm getting a bit frustrated. I liked filing the I-129F better. those were all things I had to gather. It's killing me waiting for my fiance to gather all his stuff up...


Sue! I had to quote that one sentence, your post almost made me cry..it really is totally true though. When you are doing it all yourself, you know everyday what's going on, when you release it, it can make you 1000 times crazier..I wonder if Craig felt the same way when I was gathering information for the I-129F application??
craigandkymFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-11 09:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC - February Filers
*applauds* Many heartfelt Congrats on the upcoming interview. I seriously doubt ours will be that fast, he hasn't mailed in the much needed "checklist". We're hoping maybe for a July interview. But who knows...I'm so tired of feeling manic all the time! lol...I hate moving at the speed of government!

~Kym :wub:
craigandkymFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-04-30 21:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC - February Filers
Sorry so much I've been away, or quiet.
I have nothing to report...Craig had a successful Medical.
He's still waiting for his police certificates and his interview date. My whole heart is hoping he'll get his appointment at least by June!!

I luckily got to see him for a week just this month, so that was something.

Right now I'm just keeping on with day to day stuff and waiting!!!
I believe I read someone from our group is the first to get their visa......well CONGRATULATIONS!! :wub:

Here's hoping we'll all follow soon!!
craigandkymFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-04-29 08:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC - February Filers
Well just to update on our progress. Medical is scheduled for April 27th. Packet 3 docs are being mailed back, I think this weekend. Police certs have been requested...now we wait to find out when his interview will be.

So far so good!!

AND I see him next Saturday...I can't wait!!!

~Kym :wub:
craigandkymFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-04-07 22:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC - February Filers
Does it really take 6 weeks to get your police reports back in the UK??
craigandkymFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-04-02 23:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC - February Filers
Ok...here's something I don't understand. C got his Packet 3. He said the DS forms will be easy enough to fill out. I'm compiling my financial stuff to take to him in 3 weeks when I go see him. He's making calls about the police cert. and the medical won't be till next month sometime.
How on this earth do you already know when your interview will be? I'm sorta freaking out since I haven't actually seen the Packet 3...when does he find out about his interview or does he have to call and schedule it? I don't get it....

Thanks much for any help :)

~Kim
craigandkymFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-03-26 11:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC - February Filers
Just curious...has any of my Co-Feb filers finished Packet 3 yet? :)
craigandkymFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-03-25 22:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC - February Filers
Things are going verrrrrrrrrryyyyyyy fast. (Not complaining *L*) Craig got Packet 3 just yesterday..he said it looks "daunting" but I think he's going to get on things this week....here we go :jest:

Just look out peeps, ya'll will be next!
craigandkymFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-03-20 23:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary Filers - Interview Time!!!!!!!!
WE GOT OUR APPROVAL!!!!!!! Craig said the interview was so easy, everyone was so nice and he just got in and out. All the paperwork was correct and now he's sun batheing in Hyde Park!! I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!
craigandkymFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-06-21 05:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary Filers - Interview Time!!!!!!!!
Our interview is tomorrow, I'll call his mobile to chat for a tiny bit tonight, he's leaving his town today and heading to London. He's staying in a hotel near the embassy and is going to practice the walk tonight, he's going to get there extra early tomorrow. I know I won't relax from now till I hear from Craig after tomorrow's interview!!
craigandkymFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-06-20 09:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK-1 extension-police clearance
everything went great! His visa is on its way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! biggrin.gif smile.gif
omeysgirlFemaleAustralia2007-10-04 08:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK-1 extension-police clearance
I hope someone who can help replies sad.gif sad.gif sad.gif
omeysgirlFemaleAustralia2007-10-03 14:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK-1 extension-police clearance
Any Insight?

Last week my fiance (beneficiary) was sent a letter notifying him that I must fax over a letter asking for an extension of our petition. He went in June for his interview and everything went fine except he needed to get police clearance from Granada. That took 2 months! He finally sent it back to Sydney Sep 25th, then he got that letter (the same week). Of course I immediately faxed a letter requesting an extension and stating my intention to still marry him etc... I noticed that you had uploaded a form for that extension on here. Right now we are waiting. Im on pins and needles. We were all done. They even sent him a welcome packet to the US. Im just wondering, what if that petition expired and i didnt realize it, will they still do it? We were approved for out fiance petition in April. His interview went well (in June) and that stupid police thing took forever!! So now we are waiting to see if they release his visa. I PRAY! OMG! Should I call them? Should I use your form you uploaded? I mean I thought my was fine. I dont know...
Stressing.
What do you think? Everything has gone perfectly up to this point. They didnt say the petition expired just that it was nearing the expiration and for me to fax the letter. Which I did. Any insight?
omeysgirlFemaleAustralia2007-10-03 12:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHes coming on Dec 16th!
My friend just got married and only one person had to be present. I just want to be prepared. Plus im still confused about whether he will need a new SS number. He use to live here in the States 2 yrs ago and had one. Anyone know?

I live in Maryland
omeysgirlFemaleAustralia2007-10-24 14:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHes coming on Dec 16th!
DO you guys know if I can go ahead and get the marriage license before he gets here?
omeysgirlFemaleAustralia2007-10-24 11:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHes coming on Dec 16th!
Im so happy. My fiance will be here on DEC 16th. Finally!
omeysgirlFemaleAustralia2007-10-22 09:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsThe 90 days (k-1)
Well me and my fiance have been together for 5 yrs. so I think that its well over due. Thank you guys for replying. Im just trying to be prepared for when he comes. Im going to go get the marriage license this week since he already has a SS #. Then I need to figure out how all this AOS stuff works. A bit nervous about that step ugh....

You guys are awesome for replying. For a while there I was getting frustrated because id ask a question and not get an answer. So thanks
omeysgirlFemaleAustralia2007-10-25 14:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsThe 90 days (k-1)
Is it best to get married right away or to wait closer to the 90 days?
omeysgirlFemaleAustralia2007-10-25 13:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC - February Filers
After many moons away, I finally have an update. My fiance got package 3 today. It's about time!!!

I don't know why my process just kind of hit a mountain and is taking its time to climb over it. I'll still be happy as long as my man gets here before the end of the year.
GhanaLoveFemaleGhana2007-06-07 15:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC - February Filers

Wow Safitu!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations
What a relief to have that part over with. Are you staying there and both coming here together?
That will be a wonderful trip...together.
Way to go! first Feb. filer to get visa...nice work.
Sue


Thanks so much!!!! It is such a relief...my anxiety was really getting to me...I worried about every little thing and in the end, everything was fine! ... I'll share a more detailed account of how everything went once I get back.

So were now in Dar es Salaam and were going to make the 9 hour bus ride back to Arusha tommorow (Thurs); My flight leaves from Arusha on Saturday nite but it would be like $5000 for him to get on the same flight (NW/KLM). So hes going to say bye to friends and family and fly out a few days after I leave. He'll fly into JFK cos its the cheapest. A one way flight is going to be about $1100 on BA or Swiss. Its horribly expensive but worth it. I'm so happy my babys coming home to me!!!!



That was amazingly quick and I am immensly jealous but happy for you and yours! tell us the details from the interview! That is sooo great!!!
GhanaLoveFemaleGhana2007-04-25 21:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC - February Filers
I finally got an affirmative from the NVC yesterday.. they mailed my petiton to the embassy in Accra yesterday!!!!

ABOUT DAMN TIME!!!

oh, and I might have an opportunity to go to Ghana this summer as a group leader for some high school students.
GhanaLoveFemaleGhana2007-04-21 16:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC - February Filers
sad face!


I just called the NVC and my petiton is still in the US going through administrative review. I got my letter from the NVC on 3/14. I just new it would be in Accra by now.
GhanaLoveFemaleGhana2007-04-03 17:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApproval!!!!
QUOTE (chasnik @ Nov 1 2007, 06:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
After 11 months of non patience we have an approval today!!!!!! I couldnt believe it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



C O N N G R A T U L A T I O N S ! !!
gemindsimsFemalePhilippines2007-11-03 04:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWaiting for a NOA2 from VSC for your I-129F?
Receipt Number: EACXXXXXXXXXX

Application Type: I129F, PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On November 28, 2007, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.


No touches, no phone calls, no expedite nothing. Just opened my e-mail today and there it was!


My prayers go out to all of you who filed before me and are still waiting. Hopefully you get yours soon!
Mel and ReneFemaleNetherlands2007-11-28 12:14:00
PhilippinesLet's pray for all those affected by the recent typhoon...
QUOTE (sweetcouple @ Jun 23 2008, 02:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Praying for God's mighty shield and humbly
asks to extend his merciful hands to the nations
and people who needs His help.

Amen.


I am thinking about them, having visited the Philippines a few times. Wonderful people. But pray for what? Presumably God controls (or can control) the weather. Instead of praying, maybe lobby the government for better ferry service.
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-06-23 14:14:00
PhilippinesWays to tell if you're a real Filipino
QUOTE (jiskat08 @ Jul 2 2008, 06:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>




you're related to everyone.
your parents call each other "Mommy" and "Daddy"
you have uncles and aunts names Boy, Girlie, or Baby.
you have relatives whose nicknames consist of repeated syllables, such as Jun-Jun, Ling-Ling, Mon-Mon.
you call the parents of your friends and your own parents' friends "Tito and "Tita."
All of your children have 4 or 5 names.
you greet your elders by touching their hands to your forehead.
you always kiss your relatives on the cheek whenever you enter or leave a room.
your grandmother greets you by giving you "smelling kisses."
you live with your parents until - and at times even after you're married.
you can't build or buy a house unless you first consult a feng shui expert.
your house has a distinctive smell.
you decorate your living room wall with your family's framed diplomas and certificates.
you decorate your dining room wall with a giant wooden spoon and fork and a picture of the Last Supper.
you keep your furniture wrapped in plastic.
most of your home decor is made out of wicker.
your house has a "dirty" kitchen and a "clean" kitchen.
your kitchen table has a vinyl tablecloth.
you recycle plastic shopping bags as garbage bags.
you own "Footsteps in the Sand" poster.
you have a piano that no one plays.
you keep a tabo in your bathroom.
you own a "barrel man."
you use a stone to scrub yourself in the shower.
you use Vicks Vapor Rub as an insect repellant.
your meal isn't complete without rice.
you use your fingers to measure the water you need to cook rice.
you can't eat a meal without a spoon and fork.
you feel insulted if your visitors don't eat what you offer them.
you always cook 3 times more than what your visitors can consume, when there's a party.
your pantry is never without Spam, Vienna sausage, corned beef, and sardines.
you can't enjoy a meal without patis or bagoong.
you eat fried Spam and hotdogs with rice.
you eat mangoes with rice - with great gusto.
you enjoy chocolate rice pudding and dried salted fish for breakfast.
you have a rosary or "fake bananas" hanging from your rear view mirror.
you tail an ambulance or cop just to beat the traffic.
your car horn can either laugh, bark, or moo.
your car plays a song when it backs up.
you can squeeze 15 passengers into your Honda Civic without a second thought.
you think traffic regulations are recommendations, not rules.
you think that traffic signs apply to everybody except yourself.
you point with your lips.
you eat using your hands and have it down to technique.
your other piece of luggage is a balikbayan box.
you collect items from hotels or restaurants "for souvenir's sake."
you go to a department store and try to bargain the prices.
you use an umbrella for shade on hot summer days.
you scratch your head when you don't know the answer.
you play pusoy and mahjong.
you put your hand in front of you as if to make a path and say "Excuse, excuse" when you pass in between people or in front of them.
you buy tons of bath towels when they go on sale.
you say "comfort room" instead of "bathroom"
you say "for take out" instead of "to go."
you "open" or "close" the lights.
you ask for "Colgate" instead of "toothpaste."
you say Kodakan instead of "take a picture."
you turn around when someone says "pssst."
you say "Cutex" instead of "nail polish."
you say "he" when you mean "she" and vice versa.
you say "air-con" instead of "a/c" or air conditioner.
you pronounce "F" for "P" or "P" for "F".
you own a video system.
you have 5 pairs of tsinelas on your doorstep.
you have a rice dispenser with a matching rice cooker.
you own a Mercedez and call it "chedeng"
you have "My Shaldan" air freshener in your car.
you were raised to believe that every Filipino has an aunt, uncle, and cousins.
your mom or sister is a nurse.
you consider dilis the Filipino equivalent of french fries.
you dip bread in your morning coffee.
"Goldilocks" means more to you than just a character in a fairy tale.
your baon is usually something over rice.
you eat rice for breakfast.
you wash and re-use plastic utensils and styrofoam cups.
you have a supply of frozen lumpia in the freezer.
you have an ice-shaver for making halo-halo.
you have to have a bottle of Jufran handy.
you know that chocolate meat isn't really made out of chocolate.
you spend Holy Week either performing acts of penitence or vacationing.
you get together with family at a cemetery on All Saints' Day to eat, drink, and tell stories by your loved ones' graves.
you think the Christmas season begins in September and ends in January.



you know all the words to "Dancing Queen"?
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-07-02 05:42:00
PhilippinesHow hard is a tourist visa to get
QUOTE (maliciant @ Sep 11 2008, 01:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'd like to have my fiance visit here, but I've read it's difficult to get a tourist visa, especially for women. She has a job, but it's a new job, most likely visitting me would mean losing that job, especially if it's for any significant amount of time (and of course I'd want to allow as much time here as possible while the k1 processing is going on). She lives with her family, so no rent or financial responsibilities, at least not the kind that may count. She doesn't have children or a husband (obviously) waiting in the philippines for her return. Also, she doesn't have a passport yet. I have a few questions about this.

How long does a passport take to get? I know she'll need this for the k1 anyway, but if it takes 3 or 4 months to get a passport, then likely the NOA2 will arrive first, and there won't really be a lot of time for her to fly here (at that point the cost etc, will make more sense to wait until she can fly here and stay).

How long does the tourist visa take?

Are you most likely to get denied the visa, or to get refused entry at PoE?

What counts as strong ties, I think I've already ruled out the strongest ties, with the exception of the return trip ticket which of course she'd have?

Money is an issue here, it's absolutely worth the cost if successful, but at the same time, the plane tickets alone will put me back about a month financially... I can't really afford that if the odds are against her being allowed entry. I'd really like to be together with her during the wait, but I just don't think it's possible. If the denial typically happens before plane tickets are bought, it's a whole different deal than if you spend 28 hours in the air and a pile of money on tickets to be stuck in a small room in the airport for however long it takes to find another 28 hour flight to cram you into. Those kinda flights (especially alone) are hardly what I'd call fun, making two of them in a row... ow. Anyway, can anyone answer the questions I have on this?


I have tried twice under circumstances similar to yours. So, it actually cost me $260 to find out. The odds are stacked heavily against getting one.
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-09-13 06:22:00